Computer Basics

What is a Computer?

A machine that can:1. Receive an input2. Process the data3. Produce a result in a desired format4. Store information as needed

Types of Computers

1) Super Computers2) Mainframes3) Personal Computers4) Laptops

Parts of a ComputerHardware Software

Hardware

The Physical portion of the computer1) Input- keyboard, mouse2) Output- monitor3) Storage- hard drive (internal), thumb drive4) Memory- RAM (random access memory)5) Central Processing Unit (Microprocessor)

The Computer System Unit

• The “computer tower”a. Power Supplyb. Mother Board

1. CPU2. RAM (memory)

c. Expansion slotsd. Drive Bays

- Hard Drive

– Universal Serial Bus

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Peripherals

Your Input and Output DevicesOutput: Monitor, Printer

Input: Mouse, Keyboard, CD ROM

Input/Output: Hard Drive, CD R/CD RW, Modem

Bits and Bytes

Computers use a binary code to represent data

Bit= a 0 or a 1Byte= 8 Bits (for example a letter or a space)

– Kilobyte=1,024 bytes– Megabyte=1,024,000 bytes– Gigabyte=1,024,000,000 bytes– Terabyte=1,024,000,000,000 bytes

Discuss Computer Speed (Htz)

Software

The Program portion of the computer1) Operating System Software- tells hardware how to run properly2) Application Software- programs users can run to accomplish a task

ex: Microsoft Word©

Operating System (OS)

Operating System- allows hardware to communicate with application software

Windows XP

Types of OS

1) Graphical User Interface (GUI)- ex Windows 98- contains graphics and icons, navigated by mouse

2) Multi-User- ex Windows XP- more then one user can access the computer at the same time

3) Multiprocessing- ex Windows XP- capable of utilizing more then one processor at the same time

4) Multitasking- ex Windows XP- allows multiple software programs to run at the same time